Hayim Sarraf of Acre

In this masterfully crafted historical novel, author Yousef Mouawad resurrects one of the most controversial figures in the late Ottoman Levant history: "Haim Farhi," renowned as the Banker of Acre. The narrative traces the journey of this influential accountant who managed state finances and ruled from behind the curtains, highlighting his pivotal role in standing against Napoleon Bonaparte's siege. The novel is not merely dry historical record; it is a deep dive into the chambers of Ahmad Pasha al-Jezzar, exploring themes of loyalty, betrayal, identity, and coexistence under shifting Ottoman politics. Blending precise documentation with rich human drama, the author paints a vivid portrait of Acre as it shaped history.

Because it opens a fascinating window into a mysterious era of Arab and Eastern history, offering a real-life drama packed with political intrigue and conspiracies that rival fiction in suspense.

For enthusiasts of well-documented historical fiction, lovers of political intrigue within the Ottoman empire, and anyone interested in the deep cultural and religious diversity of the Levant.